Tips for teachers and students of senior drama when working with ensembles.
The logical sequence of events in chronological order is:
- task distribution
- group creation
- brainstorming
- researching
- scripting and/or improvising
- rehearsing
- editing
- refining
- performing
- evaluating
Note: there will naturally be some overlap, as these steps are difficult to undertake in isolation.
Advice:
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- allow more time than you think you will need for performance creation with ensemble works
- allow for adequate brainstorming and research at the beginning of the task
- too much research will result in inadequate rehearsal time
- too little research will result in superficial performances that do not adequately address the topic/theme
- group creation should not be based on friendships, but rather on working relationships and common interests
- small groups can be very successful because they tend to be more efficient than large groups
- small groups can also be lost for ideas due to the lack of suggestions in the brainstorming and creation phases
- large groups can often be very successful due to the amount of creative ideas within the group
- large groups can also be inefficient, take too long to produce material
- ideal sized groups are often 4-5 students
- aim to finish all rehearsals at least one week prior to performance, allowing for refining of work
- editing material along the way is much better than cutting slabs of dialogue and action at the last-minute
- a good ensemble group is dedicated, organised, efficient, innovative, creative, takes risks, thinks outside the box
- poor ensemble groups are often hampered by laziness, tardiness, a lack of attention to detail, disorganisation, attendance issues
- be prepared to put in the extra time in order to achieve greatness, eg. before school, after school, or weekend rehearsals
- research does not just equal the Internet – there are libraries with printed books out there, too!
- smart groups distribute tasks amongst ensemble members according to the skills and abilities of individuals
- if consistency can be achieved, it is quicker to create scenes or script material simultaneously in different locations
- leave line-learning for homework between classes, as it is a waste of valuable time learning lines at school
- the teacher is the best resource in the room, so don’t be afraid of regularly asking questions
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Amazing Justin. This confirms that we’re on the right track.